Overview: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Established in 1837, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is Greece’s oldest and largest modern university. Situated in Athens, the nation’s historic capital, NKUA is a public, research-intensive, and comprehensive academic institution. It comprises over 40 departments across nine faculties and educates approximately 68,500 students, including more than 8,000 postgraduates. With campuses dispersed throughout the city, NKUA serves as a core intellectual and cultural hub both nationally and in the wider Southeastern European region.
NKUA is renowned for strengths in humanities, social sciences, health sciences, science, and law. Its medical and pharmacy programs are highly regarded internationally, while faculties of philosophy, law, and natural sciences have consistently ranked among the top in Europe. The university follows a multidisciplinary educational model and encourages research-led teaching. NKUA actively participates in global academic networks and has strategic collaborations with leading universities worldwide, offering joint degrees and fostering mobility. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, NKUA ranks among the world’s top 700 universities and is regularly recognized for its prolific research output, with faculty contributing significantly to European Union research projects and international journals.
The university provides a vibrant student experience through diverse clubs, student societies, and cultural events reflecting Athens’ dynamic spirit. There are dedicated support services for international students, and NKUA actively promotes diversity and inclusivity on campus. Extensive sports facilities, art workshops, and language centers enrich extracurricular life, while university-run accommodation is available to support students from Greece and abroad. Regular lectures, exhibitions, and festivals foster a strong sense of academic and social community, connecting the university closely to the life of the city and its heritage.
NKUA’s mission is to cultivate knowledge and innovation while fostering ethical values, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The university prioritizes inclusive education, academic excellence, and sustainability—both in research and societal engagement—striving to contribute meaningfully to the challenges of the contemporary world.
